bookbeforeuleap's reviews
733 reviews

Profile K by Helen Sarah Fields

Go to review page

challenging dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a great thriller, every reveal had my mind spinning to think of possible connections and outcomes, a few of which I managed to get right!

I found the look into AI and thoughts around what it is capable of and what large Biotech companies could be using this technology for really interesting (and rather frightening!) It was also good to hear from Connie Woolwine again (character from the authors pervious books) and think this sets up a new investigative team up nicely for future crime solving.

The only story line that I didn't fully buy into/felt a bit rushed was that of DI Ruskin. I don't know whether that is just because I am use to the authors previous incorruptible detectives but it just did not seem to tie with the character arc that had been built with him although I do understand that it was demonstrating the reach the company had and that everyone has a price.

This book, like most of the authors work, has particularly descriptive and gory scenes of the murders so bare that in mind when picking it up.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Espedair Street by Iain Banks

Go to review page

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

How I Won A Nobel Prize by Julius Taranto

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

3.5

Helen is a brilliant physics student and with her mentor she is close to making a breakthrough that would decelerate climate change but then he gets sent to a university where disgraced public figures are exiled after doing something unforgivable in the public eye. The only way to continue her research is to follow him into exile.

How I won a Nobel prize is a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of 'cancel culture', moral complexity, the price of progress, and what it means to be a good person. I think the themes discussed in this would make for a brilliant book club discussion. 

The audiobook is really well narrated and definitely adds a layer to the story.